Owners Tommy and Danielle Walker invited the community to celebrate at their popular Mental Bar Coffee, Tea & Wellness Cafe on Imperial Avenue last Saturday. The well-liked Encanto coffee place was buzzing with activity both inside and outside its doors.
“I love the coffee, food, the atmosphere, the customers, and the owners and their staff are so friendly,” long-time customer Dolores Johnson shared. “This is a great place for me to relax, read a book, or have conversation with interesting people from the community.”
The Mental Bar has been serving the community for three years with genuine hospitality, valuable information on wellness, youth programs, art shows, and a variety of great drinks and eats, and other treats. Its presence has anchored Encanto’s Black Arts & Culture District as a community gathering space.
“Today is very special to us because it marks three years of being in business,” Co-owner Danielle Walker said.
“A lot of Black-owned businesses fold within three years. We got over the three-year hurdle and it’s definitely a blessing. We really appreciate our customers and staff for helping to make this experience possible,” Walker shared.
Saturday’s celebration of this local veteran- and woman-owned cafe in the heart of Encanto is a story of resilience, growth, and representation for San Diego’s African American community.
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